This one has to do with crown molding, installing Ďbackingí and coping or mitering joints.

Iím about to install my first bit of crown molding and Iím done with my research. Iíve read numerous articles on the web and purchased a couple of books (Iím usually pretty thorough). Iíve been using a compound miter box (Craftsman) thus far for my cuts but I am now considering coping some inside joints. I realize that a little more time is involved but, to me, it seems like you have a little more room for error when you cope the inside corners. Iíve read over a few different techniques and I donít feel the degree of difficulty is too high. Iíd also rather spend more time on the cuts if the results are a tighter fit and nicer look. If anyone has more experience in this area, Iíd love to hear what you have to say. I've read conflicting views on a regular mitered cut versus a coped cut (which is the tighter or 'better' fit) and would like to know what some of the more knowledgeable people here think.

Iím also wondering if installing a backing is worth my time. I know it may help with larger rooms where you want to have a bit larger crown molding on display and also helps with nailing issuesÖbut has anyone installed it like this?

Example: http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00004.asp

Thanks for reading and input if you have time to respond.

DeepSouth

04-19-2005, 10:33 AM

I once had a Crown Victoria.

Phobia

04-19-2005, 10:38 AM

Cope your inside corners. Miter your outside.

I've never used a complicated backing. I've found a builtup crown with base and crown works well.

Wrasse

04-19-2005, 10:49 AM

Cope your inside corners. Miter your outside.

I've never used a complicated backing. I've found a builtup crown with base and crown works well.
Thanks Phobia.